Is it possible to follow a VLCD with food rather than shakes?

ClootiesMum

Hi,

DH needs an op & is being put on Optifast for a month by doc. I also could do with losing.... A bit (OK, several stones).

To make life easier for him I was gong to Join him on the shake the diet but as I'm lactose intolerant this is an issue.

But I'm pretty sure I can organise a VLCD on real food if I'm organised so hat I be a bit of help to him and not be having mac & chips in front of I'm when he's on the 4th shake of the day.

I know it will be hard, but I really want to support him so - does anyone have any experience of this & in view of my large amount of excess weight (but no problems like high blood pressure or other expected issues) are there any tips anyone could give me - to medical, of course, but things like - drink loads of water

Thanks

Bronnie

Cambridge do some lactose free products

Fire_Fox

Any very low calorie diet should be supervised by medical professionals, they are not safe for all comers. Please speak to your doctor or a state registered dietician.

ClootiesMum

Thank you Bronnie,
I had noticed that, but there are only a few and I think a selection of about 8 would leave me eating the sofa after about a week.
I have seen a few recipes online but they all seem to be related to the HCG diet (which I am a bit of a sceptic about but at least the recipes look do-able)

ClootiesMum

Thanks FireFox (my Ta button seems to have gone)
I will speak to doc but I'm assuming that it will be OK as I'm healthier than DH & doc has recommended it for him- and it is only for 4 weeks until he gets his op.

lr1277

If lactose is the problem, have you considered taking lactase which will digest the lactose?
As long as I don't eat/drink anything over 35 degrees C or less than 3 degrees C (ice cream basically) during a meal or upto an hour afterwards than I find I am ok with taking lactase.
My preferred make is Biocare lactase as this seems the most effective at the widest range of temperatures (in my stomach).

maddeningly

Of course! I've lost nearly 2 stone going from over 10 to 8 1/2 (I'm only 5 foot) and it was 3 years ago baby weight. Monday to Friday I eat stuff like porridge for brekkie, rice cakes, salad and my own version of weight watchers no point soup for lunch (tinned toms, carrots, celery, pepper, chilli pepper, onions, balsamic vinegar) and quorn lamb grill (i dont eat meat) with a mountain of veg (no potatoes) for dinner. Weekends I pretty much eat as i please, although if I had a sandwich now I would only have 2 slices of bread and not 4 like I used to. I personally could not do shakes, I would rather have soup and salad. I like to chew!

podperson

I did VLC years ago, I wouldn't find it sustainable now - but trying looking at things like soups, salads, stir fries, I don't eat meat so quorn is pretty low cal but I imagine grilled/steamed chicken or fish wouldn't be too high.
I would have things like
breakfast - yoghurt/porridge/cereal/fruit
lunch - salad/soup/beans on a slice of toast (usually ww or nimble)
dinner - stir fry/quorn fillet with veggies (no pots)